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Significance of Eating

Eating holds varied significance across different traditions and contexts. In Vaishnavism, it reflects joyful consumption connected to divine narratives, particularly involving Lord Krishna, and is a subject of observation for believers like mother Shaci. It symbolizes acceptance of offerings and communal meals. Vedanta links eating to the agnihotra ritual and individual soul experiences, representing universal reabsorption. Rasashastra associates eating with health issues at specific times, while science acknowledges it as a fundamental human activity affecting health and well-being.1
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Synonyms: Chewing, Snacking, Swallowing

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Eating'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Eating emphasizes mindfulness and self-control in a Bhikkhu's routine. It involves a deliberate practice, encouraging awareness and contemplation to foster wisdom during the act of eating.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) Eating is a routine in a Bhikkhu’s life, which should be done in a careful, self-controlled manner with mindfulness present, and while contemplating with wisdom.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Eating'

Hinduism Books

Eating in Hinduism signifies more than mere consumption; it encompasses spiritual connections and actions by divine figures like Lord Krishna. It ties to devotional practices, cosmic reabsorption, and the joyful sharing of meals, reflecting deeper meanings.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The action that Advaita Acarya was preparing arrangements for.[2] (2) The act performed by the Lord of Vaikuntha, which is a focus of observation for the fortunate mother Shaci.[3] (3) The act of consuming food, which is presented as a joyful activity in this context.[4] (4) An activity that refers to the act of consuming food, which the Lord did not speak of anything other than topics related to Krishna.[5] (5) The act of consuming food, which occurs as the Lord shares the aforementioned narratives.[6]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) the act of consuming food.[7] (2) The action performed by Lord Krishna, which signifies not just physical consumption but also the acceptance of offerings from His devotees.[8] (3) The action being performed by the boys in the text as they engage in a meal together.[9]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) Eating, referring to the fruition of the results of works, is one of the two conditions mentioned, describing the experience of the individual soul.[10] (2) The provided text considers the act of eating in relation to the agnihotra, specifically whether the agnihotra should be omitted when the act of eating is omitted, based on the connection between them.[11]

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) Eating in this context represents the act of reabsorption of the universe, indicating the highest Self consuming all moving and non-moving entities.[12]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) The act of consuming food, which, according to the text, gives rise to diseases at sunset and sunrise.[13]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

The concept of Eating in scientific sources

Science Books

Eating is a fundamental human activity linked to health, assessed through questionnaires on smell impairment's impact on food consumption. Guidance on eating aids laryngectomees and their healthcare providers in effective health management.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) Eating is a basic human activity and is also one of the factors assessed by the questionnaire to see how smell impairment affects food consumption.[14] (2) The guide provides information about eating, which helps laryngectomees and their medical providers to manage their health.[15]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.